By Nick Patterson Herald Writer
EVERETT — A prominent AquaSox alum was back at Everett Memorial Stadium on Monday — even if his entire stint with the Sox consisted of one game.
Former Seattle Mariners catcher Dan Wilson, who played one game for Everett in 2000 while on a rehab assignment, was with the team to get a first-hand look at some of Seattle’s minor-league prospects.
“I’m just kind of looking at what the team has this year,” Wilson said. “I know it’s close to the end of the season, but it’s a chance to see some of these guys and what they’re doing. They won the first half, so they’re in good shape and looking forward to the playoffs.”
Wilson, who was inducted into the Mariners Hall of Fame in July for his standout 12-year career with the M’s, serves primarily as a broadcaster within the organization these days. However, he also spends some time roving the minors and adding his expertise.
“This is my first stop this year,” Wilson said. “In past years I’ve gone to several different spots. I didn’t get as much of a chance to do it this year. But I like going in and checking out the different clubs and different players. You get a chance to see them in spring training, and I enjoy getting a chance to see them during the season.
“There’s just so much to learn about this game,” Wilson added about what he hopes to contribute during his visit. “Maybe I’ll have a chance to give a pointer here and there. But it’s another voice as to how to play this game.”
Wilson’s one game for the Sox came on July 13, 2000, as he recovered from a strained oblique muscle. He went 1-for-2 with a solo home run, but the Sox fell 16-10 to the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes.
“I don’t remember too much,” Wilson said of the game. “I just remember playing one game. It was a long game — I think we had a pitcher who was struggling a little bit. But I remember it fondly. What a great place to come get ready to go.”
Wilson concludes his time with the Sox today.
Switching it up
Sox catcher Marcus Littlewood has had a nice season at the plate. However, almost all of the switch hitter’s damage has been done from the left side. Prior to Sunday’s game Littlewood was batting .272 left-handed versus .184 right-handed, and almost all of his power came from the left side. Littlewood was slugging a robust .493 left-handed while slugging a meager .211 right-handed, and all eight of his homers came lefty.
So when Littlewood belted a grand slam while batting right-handed Sunday against Eugene, it came as quite the relief.
“That was my first right-handed home run in a long time,” Littlewood said. “It felt good. I’m still working on seeing left-handed pitching and getting better on the right side, but it’s coming along.”
Littlewood, who is a natural right-handed hitter, had just 41 at bats right-handed going into Monday, which is too small a sample size to draw any conclusions. However, he had similar issues last season. Of his nine homers hit last season between Everett and Clinton, eight came from the left side.
“I’m really happy about (Sunday’s homer) because it was a good at bat,” said Littlewood, who turned on a 1-0 changeup from lefty Juan Marcano for his grand slam. “It was a good step in the right direction.”
Today’s Game
Opponent: Eugene Emeralds
When: 7:05 p.m.
Where: Everett Memorial Stadium
Radio: KRKO (1380 AM)
Probable starters: Everett right-hander Dylan Unsworth (6-1, 3.91 ERA) vs. Eugene right-hander Will Scott (2-4, 5.21)
